Rapids to host Military Appreciation Night presented by Coca-Cola on July 7

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, June 28, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids and Coca-Cola will celebrate Military Appreciation Night by honoring members of the United States Armed Forces on July 7 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City. The event, which takes place at the Rapids’ 7:30 p.m. MT match against D.C. United, will celebrate outstanding military service, beginning with a $10,000 donation to the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the United Service Organizations (USO) on behalf of Coca-Cola and the Colorado Rapids prior to the match, and ending with the second fireworks show of the week.

“Military Appreciation Night gives the Rapids organization and our fans an opportunity to honor those who are dedicated and committed in their service to our country,” said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “We are proud to have many members of the Armed Forces and their families joining us for the match, and want to recognize and celebrate their service.”

Throughout the game, there will be several tributes to the U.S. Armed Forces, including representation of each military branch in the Honor Guard, an enlistment ceremony at halftime, and a donation to the Rocky Mountain USO. Funds for the donation were contributed in part by Rapids fans, who can still donate $5 and receive a free 20-oz Coke at the booth atop Section 127.

Military Appreciation Night Timeline
11:00 a.m. – Xportiva community festival opens
7:30 p.m. – Colorado Rapids take on D.C. United
7:30 – 9:30 – In-stadium tributes to members of the U.S. Armed Forces
9:30 – Live DJ performance inside the stadium
10:00 – Fireworks show begins, with viewing areas inside the stadium and in parking lots around the stadium (in-stadium viewing only open to those with valid match ticket)

In the parking lots outside of Eighteen76, the Rapids will host Xportiva presented by Entrevision Colorado and Coca-Cola, a community event designed to introduce the community to Denver’s professional sports teams. All seven of Denver’s teams will host interactive displays and demonstrations, and appearances by team mascots, cheerleaders and alumni.

After the game, fans will be entertained by DJ Seebaum while they wait for the fireworks show to start around 10:00 p.m. Local radio station 92.5 the Wolf is the official media partner of both the July 4 and 7 games, and on-air personalities Jonathan Wilde and Erica Cobb will co-host on both nights, with the show streaming live over the air. For more details on Freedom Weekend, click here.